Bill Clinton is honorary patron of MyHandicap

At the inauguration of the Center for Disability and Integration (CDI) at the University of St. Gallen, the former U.S. President Bill Clinton gave a speech. Addressing high-level representatives from science, economics and politics, he stressed the responsibility of companies for the professional integration of people with disabilities.

Clinton was convinced that it is only possible to solve the most pressing political and social problems when shared by governments, the private sector and NGOs. The approach of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) "Commitment to Action” is therefore a global issue: the obligation to implement the objectives of corporate social responsibility into concrete results.

"The establishment of this center reflects two very large developments that are going on in society today. The first is to attempt to empower the disabled, the second is the ability to do it through the rise of non-governmental organisations," said Clinton in relation to the generous financial support from the foundation MyHandicap for the CDI-HSG.

Promote economic integration of people with disabilities

"We have a lot to learn from brave people with disabilities... it is a form of unconscionable arrogance to consign people, whose disabilities are more physically obvious than others, to be anything less than they can be. This centre is designed to change that," said Clinton at the inauguration ceremony.

The newly established Center for Disability and Integration has set the objectives to do research for problems and solutions in the economic integration of people with disabilities and to provide the results for as many people with disabilities as possible to enable them to access employment.

Furthermore, the CDI aims to reward companies in the categories "Best Practice" and "Best Ideas" for the integration of people with disabilities with the initiative "Commitment to Action: Providing Opportunities for People with Disabilities". The initiative aims not only to satisfy the human need for work, but also a reduction in the fiscal responsibility of the taxpayer for disability payments.

Listen to the complete speech by Bill Clinton at the opening of the CDI.

Greeting Message from Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton, former President of the United States is honorary patron of the foundation MyHandicap.

In the following video, he sends his greeting to friends and supporters of MyHandicap.